The IDF has deployed Armored forces near the Israel-Egypt border,
moving tanks closer to the fence, Ynet has learned. The unusual move
followed Monday´s terror attack on defense contractor crews building
the new security fence.

The attack claimed the life of Said Phashpashe, 36, from Haifa.
Golani soldiers who were scrambled to the area killed two terrorists.

Ynet was able to document the presence of Israeli tanks in close
proximity to the border – maneuvers which are barred by Jerusalem´s
peace treaty with Cairo.

The last time the IDF boosted its front-line combat vehicle presence
in the sector was in August 2011, following a murderous terror attack
by the Islamic Jihad, which left nine Israelis dead.

At the time, the military deployed several armored personnel carriers
along the border, as part of the heightened security measures in the
sensitive area.

Ynet´s chief military commentator Ron Ben Yishai noted that several
months ago, Israel and Egypt arrived at an agreement by which Cairo
would be able to deploy 20 tanks near the border, to ward off attacks
by Bedouins on Egyptian forces, despite the fact that such a move
contradicts the peace treaty.

It is likely that the deal also allowed Israel to do the same in
favor of increased protection for the area´s communities.

Gaza Division Southern Brigade Commander Col. Tal Harmoni held a
press briefing Monday, following the terror attack: "We are in a race
against the clock to close the border," he told reporters. "We have
to seal off the border as soon as we can to prevent exactly these
kinds of attacks."

Harmoni added that as tragic as the attack´s result were, "It could
have been far worse – a large-scale attack was prevented.